Bookworms, let’s be honest here: finding time to read is a lot harder than it sounds. I love to read and would do so in a heartbeat if given the chance, but unfortunately, life tends to get in the way of that. There are always other things going on that need prioritizing like work, school, chores, family and other such obligations. Reading is supposed to be a fun way to pass the time, but it ends up being a fight against it instead.
For starters, there’s always a distraction. Whether it be an email, a text message, or even my husband asking me a question, my attention ultimately gets diverted. Once that’s happened, I have a hard time getting back to it. Suddenly, all of these things I need to do come to the front of my mind, and the book goes back on the shelf for another day.
I also start to feel guilty about it from time to time. I’ll get stuck in my head, thinking of all the other things I could be doing that are considered more “productive” than sitting down to read a book. What’s supposed to be a calming experience turns anxious and uncertain.
I’ve learned it’s important to be patient about it. You’re not always going to be able to get through a few chapters a day. Sometimes, you might just barely get through one. It’s all about staying consistent because the small efforts you take will begin to add up in the end. You just need to find a routine that works without feeling like it’s taking away from the other aspects of your life.
In my opinion, books are worth these struggles. They give us a way to momentarily escape reality and enter a new one. Ultimately, the secret struggle of finding time to read is universal. Many people love books but fight for time to do so with a busy schedule.
We just need to accept that the time may be limited but enjoying each page we read makes it rewarding. Reading isn’t a race. It’s a personal journey, and even a few small moments can make a day so much better.
